Geography:
Much of the countryside is relatively flat,
consisting of fertile plains and gentle hills. Mountains, moors and
steeper hills are found mainly in the north and the west; the Lake
District (Cumbria) and the northwest are divided from the Yorkshire Dales,
and the northeast, by the (relatively) high-rising Pennines, ?the backbone
of England'. The eastern part of the country, particularly East Anglia, is
the most low-lying. The coastline is varied, and ranges from long
stretches of sandy beaches to steep cliffs and isolated rocky coves.
Language:
English. The multiplicity of local dialects
throughout the country, overlaid with class, and town and country accents
makes English a language of astonishing diversity - words and forms of
syntax which are obsolete in the southeast may often be found elsewhere.
Cornish is still spoken by a few people in Cornwall. In the larger cities,
particularly London, there are many communities who do not speak English
as a first language (or who have a patois - originating outside of
this country - which adds yet more variety to the English language).
Geography:
The country consists of the outhern Lowland
area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery - where most of the
population is concentrated - and the northern Highlands, dominated by the
Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1344m/4140ft), the highest peak in the
British Isles. The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is
indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west
coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the
latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands
lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth
from John O'Groats.
Government:
Following elections in May 1999, Scotland
was granted its first parliament in 300 years. The new Scottish Parliament
has a considerable degree of autonomy, as demonstrated by its tax-raising
powers. The UK Government maintains control over issues such as defence
and foreign policy. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II. Head
of Parliament: First Minister Henry McLeish since 2000.
Language: English.
Gaelic is still spoken by some, mostly in the West and Highlands.
Geography: Wales
is a country of great geographical variation with many long stretches of
attractive and often rugged coastline. South Wales is mainly known for
its industrial heritage but the western part of the coast between
Carmarthen Bay and St David's is similar to that of the more pastoral
west country of England, and backed by some equally beautiful
countryside. The scenery of mid-Wales includes rich farming valleys, the
broad sandy sweep of Cardigan Bay and rolling hill country. North Wales
is one of the most popular tourist areas in the British Isles, with many
lively coastal resorts. Inland, the region of Snowdonia has long been
popular with walkers and climbers. Much of the central inland area of
the country is mountainous, with some breathtaking scenery.
Government: Following
a referendum in May 1999, Wales was granted its own assembly with a
considerable degree of autonomy. The Welsh Assembly does not have a
similar level of power and responsibility as that enjoyed by the
Scottish Parliament. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II.
and the Head
of Government the First Secretary.
Language: English
and Welsh are the official languages. Welsh is taught in all schools,
and at least a fifth of the population speak it as their native
language.
Geography: Northern
Ireland
contains some beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline in
the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh.
To the west are the Sperrin Mountains and the lake of Fermanagh, where
the winding River Erne provides excellent fishing. The high moorland
plateau of Antrim in the northeast gives way to the glens further south
and to the Drumlin country of County Down; further south still, the
Mountains of Mourne stretch down to the sea.
Government: In
1998, the Good Friday Agreement between Northern Ireland's political
parties, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland provided for the
transfer of responsibility for the administration of Northern Ireland
from the United Kingdom to an elected Northern Ireland Assembly and
Executive. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II. Head of
Government: First Minister David Trimble since 1998.
Note: Following
the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly on February 11 2000, the
British Government has temporarily re-imposed direct rule over Northern
Ireland.
